The Nyinyikay Homeland, in East Arnhem Land, boasts an extraordinary sight called Rocky Point, a strip of red rock which curves around a tranquil, far-reaching bay. Edged by the Arafura Sea, it’s also dubbed ‘The Needle’ by locals, given its shape, and doubles as an airstrip during the rainy season when the area is cut off and access is only available by light aircraft.
The Nyinyikay Homeland, in East Arnhem Land, boasts an extraordinary sight called Rocky Point, a strip of red rock which curves around a tranquil, far-reaching bay. Edged by the Arafura Sea, it’s also dubbed ‘The Needle’ by locals, given its shape, and doubles as an airstrip during the rainy season when the area is cut off and access is only available by light aircraft.

Photo story: the ancient traditions and ochre-hued homelands of Australia's Yolngu people

The Northern Territory is home to the Yolngu people, whose cultures and beliefs have endured for thousands of years. A little over a decade ago, the Yolngu began sharing their lands and traditions with the outside world.


Story and photographs byLynn Gail
Last updated May 17, 2023
6 min read
This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Pandanus leaves are cut, boiled, then stirred using natural dye ground from gathered bush bulbs found in the bush at Nyinyikay Homeland. The women hang the leaves to dry and use them to weave mats, baskets, or bags. Each item will be created with a cultural story running through its design.
Pandanus leaves are cut, boiled, then stirred using natural dye ground from gathered bush bulbs found in the bush at Nyinyikay Homeland. The women hang the leaves to dry and use them to weave mats, baskets, or bags. Each item will be created with a cultural story running through its design.
Pandanus leaves are cut, boiled, then stirred using natural dye ground from gathered bush bulbs found in the bush at Nyinyikay Homeland. The women hang the leaves to dry and use them to weave mats, baskets, or bags. Each item will be created with a cultural story running through its design.
Djali Ganambarr, a respected Yolngu elder, contemplates life at Bawaka Homeland as he leans against a branch used for spear fishing. Yolngu people have used hunting spears for millennia in the Northern Territory, and are so attuned the movements of their environment that the Yolngu people can see the slightest ripple in the water. After a quick approach, they can render their target lifeless with just one throw.
Milika Marika climbs a rock face at Gapuru Memorial Park in Nhulunbuy after cooling off in its fresh waters. Rock pools and billabongs (natural watering holes) are fabulous places to cool down in when the mercury rises in the sun-baked landscapes of the Northern Territory.
Milika Marika climbs a rock face at Gapuru Memorial Park in Nhulunbuy after cooling off in its fresh waters. Rock pools and billabongs (natural watering holes) are fabulous places to cool down in when the mercury rises in the sun-baked landscapes of the Northern Territory.
Respected Yolngu leader, Randy Yibarbuk sifts ancient sand through his hands at Lonely Beach near Bawaka Homeland. The Yolngu believe their land is so sacred that it’s considered the ancestral heartbeat and root of their culture.
Respected Yolngu leader, Randy Yibarbuk sifts ancient sand through his hands at Lonely Beach near Bawaka Homeland. The Yolngu believe their land is so sacred that it’s considered the ancestral heartbeat and root of their culture.
Bawaka Homeland is the ancestral home of the Gumatj clan in Australia’s Northern Territory. Its stunning, palm-skirted beach flank the azure waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Travellers can stay here on multi-day tours with Lirrwi Tourism.
Bawaka Homeland is the ancestral home of the Gumatj clan in Australia’s Northern Territory. Its stunning, palm-skirted beach flank the azure waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Travellers can stay here on multi-day tours with Lirrwi Tourism.
Yolngu women are an important part of Yolngu culture and are often considered matriarchal in their society. Dorothy, who lives at Balma Homeland, is integral in passing important cultural knowledge down to younger generations.
Yolngu women are an important part of Yolngu culture and are often considered matriarchal in their society. Dorothy, who lives at Balma Homeland, is integral in passing important cultural knowledge down to younger generations.
Wall art created by artist Stephen Langman in Yirrkala Homeland depicts members of the Rirratjingu clan wearing tribal adornments. In 1984 the Rirratjingu founded a corporation to represent their people, and to protect their land rights.
Wall art created by artist Stephen Langman in Yirrkala Homeland depicts members of the Rirratjingu clan wearing tribal adornments. In 1984 the Rirratjingu founded a corporation to represent their people, and to protect their land rights.
In the remote outback of north-east Arnhem Land, Koolatong Sinkhole has naturally formed over thousands of years. The natural body of water can be found near Balma Homeland and visitors need a permit to enter the area, and can be applied for through Lirrwi Tourism.
In the remote outback of north-east Arnhem Land, Koolatong Sinkhole has naturally formed over thousands of years. The natural body of water can be found near Balma Homeland and visitors need a permit to enter the area, and can be applied for through Lirrwi Tourism.
As well as being hunter-gatherers, Yolngu women are very resourceful in collecting and decorating whatever they find along the coastline and in bush areas in the outback. Painting shells and making jewellery are all part of women’s work in Yolngu culture.
As well as being hunter-gatherers, Yolngu women are very resourceful in collecting and decorating whatever they find along the coastline and in bush areas in the outback. Painting shells and making jewellery are all part of women’s work in Yolngu culture.